September 27, 2006, 11:10 am
Despite the threat of sectarian bloodshed, strong majorities of Iraqis polled say that the US should pick up and get out immediately.
Recently completed polls show that between 65% and 71% of Iraqis favor immediate withdrawal. Although they fear sectarian violence, that fear is outweighed by anger of and hatred towards American soldiers–who Iraqis say have done little to nothing to prevent violence, establish authority, and rebuild essential infrastructure.
Can you really blame them? Nobody wants to live in a country occupied by a foreign power, especially one so utterly unable to secure the peace.
If the Iraqis don’t want us there, if the Iraq occupation is a “cause celebre” for jihadists that is greatly worsening terrorism rather than lessening it, then why do we remain?
When “staying the course” means running the ship into an iceberg and causing it to sink, it is time to drastically change course.
September 24, 2006, 9:05 am
Is it really a surprise to anyone? A new National Intelligence Estimate by US intelligence officials bluntly concludes that the Iraq war is greatly increasing the potential for terrorist acts worldwide rather than decreasing them.
Why? Because Iraq is serving as a focal point for radical Islamists. It is evidence to them of the West’s attempt to conquer Islam and kill Muslims. It serves as a breeding ground for their hatred, and a testing ground to prove their mettle. Radical web sites use Iraq to paint a narrative that highlights insurgent victories and constantly drums in a strongly Anti-American message, increasing morale and spurring radicals to plan a variety of new attacks of widening scope worldwide. Radicals are being inspired to create new cells who communicate only among themselves with no connection to any central group, making them much harder to detect.
Way to go, Dubya! Can you stop lying now by telling people they’re safer when they’re not?
